Education in Emergencies: Reading in Crisis Contexts

Education is lifesaving. In the midst of conflict, disaster or emergencies, books protect children and can restore comforting routines, offer vital connection to other children and adults, and minimize disruption to learning.

Emergencies heighten children’s protection and health risks. Education is a lifeline during these times, and books are a simple educational activity that can be deployed in crisis settings.

Books become a powerful tool for resilience, recovery and hope, carrying lifesaving messages, ensuring continuity of learning, and supporting wellbeing. Culturally relevant stories help children process fear, anger, grief and uncertainty, while also offering joy, hope and healing when they need it most.

Library For All supports this by creating quality and specialised children’s collections designed to strengthen this crucial component of humanitarian response. Through selecting and adapting existing LFA collections or developing relevant books for rapid deployment with our partners, we help support children’s psychosocial, emotional and physical wellbeing.

During crisis, books have the power to ignite imagination, restore a sense of safety, and help hearts and minds heal.

Get started! Download the free Library For All Reader app and explore stories designed for crisis contexts:

Download the LFA Reader app

Resources for LFA Book Delivery

How to Download and Use the LFA Reader App

Get started with the Library For All Reader app. Discover and share stories anywhere, even offline. Follow these simple steps to access and explore the collections.

Download the guide to using the LFA Reader app (PDF English)

Safety and Inclusion: How to Support a Learning Environment

Create inclusive reading spaces that welcome every child. When children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds feel supported, they’re more likely to connect, participate and build confidence.

Download the resource for creating inclusive spaces (PDF English)

Selecting Your Story: Supporting Social-Emotional Wellbeing

Choose supportive, comforting and meaningful stories, especially in sensitive contexts. Preparing for the conversations stories may spark creates space for healing, connection and agency.

Download the guide for selecting stories (PDF English)

Making It Engaging: If You Read It Again, Try Something Else!

Make reading come alive. Reading together should be joyful, creative and interactive. Small shifts, new voices, new focuses, or a bit of play, keep children curious, confident and excited to read.

Download the guide to making storytime engaging (PDF English)

Extending the Reading Experience: How to Deepen Comprehension

Shared reading builds connection, confidence and joy. Simple activities, like asking questions, exploring new words or imagining new endings, help deepen comprehension and spark curiosity.

Download the quick guide to nurturing engagement (PDF English)